1. How to Draw the Pumpkin

Step 1

Create an orange object in the shape of a pumpkin —the color is #E3860F. Next, grab the Mesh Tool (U). Click to create nodes, which in turn create a Mesh Grid.

Once your Mesh Grid resembles the one shown below, select
the right cluster of nodes (they are already colored differently in the
screenshot) and color them with #CC5A18.

Next, select nodes that are lighter (they're selected below) and proceed to change their color to #EBA427. Add some darker orange tones in the fourth step with #BE361B, and then darken it more with #C3431A and #CB7F31.

Always make sure to select the nodes that are selected in each screenshot below and apply the corresponding color to them!

Step 2

Continue coloring the pumpkin with the help of the screenshot below. You will need to use these colors:

#EAA30B

#D96716

#B04312

#F0C174

#D77310

#DF8517

Step 3

Finish the mesh using these colors:

#FAE1CB

#E69A2F

#CF6512

#EEB963

#D86611

#EEB457

Step 4

Draw another element.

#E4A15B

#B7471E

#CCBBA8

#F2E1D6

#C3551D

Step 5

Begin drawing the stem.

#2C3018

#9D592C

#82785D

#4F4D34

#0B1304

#C6B293

Step 6

Finish the stem.

#6E664D

#1B210E

#F5F5F5

Step 7

Assemble the pumpkin!

2. How to Draw the Leaves

Step 1

Draw a leaf with mesh. Use these colors:

#CB1400

Create the Mesh Grid

#AC1400

Step 2

Use a #BA600FStroke with a specific Stroke Profile for the details.

Expand the line, and then set it to Multiply with 20% Opacity.

Step 3

Place the line in the middle of the leaf, and then add a Clipping Mask as shown below.

Step 4

Create a narrower copy of the leaf we just made.

Step 5

Create one more modified version of the original with Effect > Warp > Arc. Use a 14% Bend, and Expand Appearance of the result.

Step 6

Add one more version with Effect > Warp > Arch. Use -31% Bend, -22% Horizontal, and 13% Vertical Distortion.

Step 7

Add a final version with Effect > Warp > Bulge and these settings:

Bend: 12%

Horizontal Distortion: -9%

Vertical Distortion: 1%

Step 8

Draw a narrow branch, colored with #CB1100. Use Stroke, just like in Step 2.